What’s so messed up about it? If you believe in God, then you must also believe that there’s a reason for the trials/problems/etc that you go through. Scripture is very clear on this:

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faithâ€“of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fireâ€“may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” – 1 Peter 1:6-7

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” – 1 Peter 4:12-13

(These were written to Christians during the time of Nero, when Christians were used as street lamps, tortured, or put in the arena to fight for sport.)

This type of attitude comes from a correct biblical view of why (seemingly) bad things happen to you, a view which gives reason for the trial and hope of a day when things will be put right (“when Christ is revealed”). What I’d like to know is what is the atheist’s reason? Where’s the atheist’s hope?

I’ve been on this site awhile. You’ve mentioned wanting to create a community for atheists and such. But all I’ve seen from your podcasts and writings is bashing other religions. What do you have to offer your community? What would you tell a person dying from cancer? “Tough luck”? “That sucks”? What is it, in your opinion, that makes atheism so attractive over a relationship with God, forgiveness of your sins, and promise of an eternal life with Him?

So.. let me get this straight, Sky daddy abuses his children, and the children thank him for it. Doesn’t sound like someone I would want controlling my destiny.

“What would you tell a person dying from cancer?” something along the lines of “hang in there” or “Medical science is making advances all the time, it’s treatable.” I wouldn’t LIE to them. Sometimes bad things happen for no reason.

Atheism is more “attractive” than organized religion to me because it doesn’t surrender itself to something that has not been proven to exist, nor to a false promise of immortality. Sins? What an abstract concept. I don’t need forgiveness for not following arbitrary rules that somebody decided to impose on me. I’m not a criminal, so I don’t need to feel guilty for what I do, or don’t do. I would also like to point out that Atheism isn’t about what ‘feels good’ or what ‘makes us cozy’. It’s about realizing that we live in the here and now, not on supposed (and unfounded) promises after you die. Besides, god sounds like an abusive parent, why would I want to spend even an afternoon with this guy.

“What is it, in your opinion, that makes atheism so attractive over a relationship with God, forgiveness of your sins, and promise of an eternal life with Him?”

Unfortunately, atheism isn’t about what we WISH were true, or what is most “attractive” to us. We actually care about what IS true.

It seems to me that if God is responsible for all the things the people in the video are saying, that this is in conflict with the idea of an all-good, all-loving god. Or is your god evil in fact? That would make a lot more sense I suppose.

Jacob Fortin

What’s strange is that the ancient question of evil, asked first by Epicurus have never really been answered:

If evil exists and God does nothing to stop it, then he is not Omnipotent. If he can but refuses to, then his is not Omni-Benevolent. Instead of really answering this question, we are given the “works in mysterious ways” answer, which is itself completely unsatisfying.

Yes, I did talk about creating a community. If the fans of the podcast and site are saddened that this has not yet happened, I’m sorry that I haven’t had more time to devote to this project. In time, I will. Until then, I continue to report of the funny, outrageous, or grotesque. I feel that each time I do, I am providing the opportunity to someone to see beyond the myths that governs their lives.

What does atheism offer to someone? Must a view of the cosmos offer you anything? Is it not for you to discover those things yourself? All I want people to see is that the arguments FOR god are weaker than the arguments AGAINST god, and that it is entirely possible to live a decent, fulfilling life without the need for religion. I think many people on the site have appreciated my efforts.

“If evil exists and God does nothing to stop it, then he is not Omnipotent. If he can but refuses to, then his is not Omni-Benevolent.” While not familiar with this exact statement, I think I have the answer: God’s view of what is good for us isn’t the same as what we think is good for us. Let’s take the amputee question for example. What if being an amputee is meant to be an opportunity to minister to other amputees and give them hope? Is that not a good cause? It’s about finding the purpose of your situation and what it’s supposed to be teaching you.

Christianity is about what is true as well. What is true and scientifically provable are not always the same though. For example, I believe that something outside of the universe created the universe. Is that not reasonable? I also believe the the universe seems to be made to support life. Also reasonable? Is then reasonable to say that whatever created the universe created it to support life? I’ve also had experiences much like described in Jacob’s previous podcast (many of them, in fact) which I believe are God-ordained, for lack of a better word. Again, why is this not reasonable? It’s these reasons that I feel best fill in the gaps between science and truth.

“Must a view of the cosmos offer you anything? Is it not for you to discover those things yourself?” Er, shouldn’t your view of the cosmos offer you an answer to life’s questions, ie where did I come from, why am I here, what happens to me when I die? Isn’t that the point of all this atheism and Christianity?

@joe b – thanks for the comment on my site yesterday. I’m actually not trying to get converts from here, just standing up for the truth (despite the odds). Believe it or not, I actually like the discussion on this site. People don’t talk about these issues enough. And I actually think Jacob likes me posting here, he gets more comments when I stir the pot

PS Can you fix the line breaks on your comments? Kinda hard to read when it’s all stuffed together.

Jessica

I’m sorry, “standing up for the truth”?
I cannot understand why every life view should need to have a meaning beyond here and now. And why believe something just because it’s attractive? That’s like trying to debunk how we know dew is formed by saying that it would be cooler if elves made it. Also (I genuinely want to know) why are the other amputees amputees? What is the reason for them and why didn’t god just not have any disabled people if their ‘purpose’ is to help other disabled people? Why should anyone be thankful for something like a miscarriage or rape or a loved one becoming brain-dead? Not many loving parents would want that for their children. I’d love to hear some other opinions on this.
Have fun,
Jessica

susanna

Hmmm, I’m in between on this one. I see why the video is shocking, I see why if, for example, you or someone you knew had been raped it would likely ENRAGE you…(and apart from anything else all of the people, especially the women, just come across like brainwashed zombies)…..BUT I feel the point may be being missed.

If you leave the God stuff out of it for a minute…since there are so many different ways of thinking about God…..the THOUGHT behind this video could make sense….for example I’ve been through some pretty traumatic experiences that I AM greatful for because I most definitely did become more of a person through the lessons they taught me. I am not basing this on a belief that a distant deity desired me to become a better person, I really am glad that these things happened….they gave me better understanding of other people and of the negative effects some of my own behaviours had in my own life.

Also, purely for argument’s sake, if you believe you are responsible for your own destiny, which I do, then, there is your answer to the eternal question: ‘why do bad things happen to good people?’……cause and effect…..bad things happen because you do not understand the effects of certain of your actions….and they will continue to happen until you take the time to look at your life and try to understand what negative thoughts or behaviour patterns you may need to change.

Jacob, I really enjoy your pieces, keep up the good work!
Ben, I also find your responses interesting and intelligent. Though the scripture gets annoying! It would suit me better if you stuck to your own thoughts….plus I think you’d be taken more seriously!

Finally, I have a question, if anyone feels like answering that would be cool….. I am not religious in the sense that I don’t follow any organised religion and don’t agree with the idea of God advocated by the religions that I do know about….BUT I do have a strong faith in my own spiritual beliefs….I’m interested in the areas where science and a belief in the spiritual overlap. So am I an atheist, or very much not so?

Thanks for the interesting reading! sue

C.S

Based on what you’ve said there, you seem to be more agnostic than atheistic. I don’t believe that religiosity necessarily predicates spirituality; one can certainly exist without the other. Also, not subscribing to an organized religion does not necessarily indicate atheism.
As far as the subject of the science of spirituality, this is also something I’ve been interested in for a long time. If you’re interested, I would recommend Matthew Alper’s The “God” Part Of The Brain: A Scientific Interpretation Of Human Spirituality And God. The author presents ideas about the evolutionary basis and function of spirituality. If nothing else, it certainly presents some interesting ideas.

Rohit Sidhu

WOW, I can’t believe how unbelievably stupid and ignorant Ben is. Ben you know next to nothing about Atheism, so stop acting like you do.

“Letâ€™s take the amputee question for example. What if being an amputee is meant to be an opportunity to minister to other amputees and give them hope? Is that not a good cause?”

Well dumbass if there were no amputees to begin with there would be no need for amputees to give other amputees “hope”. Second atheists, most of us at least, don’t have a capacity or need for hope, faith,etc. We plan and execute, we “do” instead of desiring, wanting, hoping to.

“What is true and scientifically provable are not always the same though.”

I bet you you cannot prove the existence of your god without any “evidence” that can also be used against him. I don’t care how you prove it, as long as you do, so just try to prove me wrong and your god right.

“Er, shouldnâ€™t your view of the cosmos offer you an answer to lifeâ€™s questions, ie where did I come from, why am I here, what happens to me when I die? Isnâ€™t that the point of all this atheism and Christianity?”

No stupid fuck, that’s the view of Christianity. We are not the same you and I. I really don’t need or care for any “answers” because frankly there is no reason to believe the Universe has been here and probably will always be. We need no explanation of how the universe began.

susanna

Thanks C.S.! I will look out for it! I never saw myself as agnostic because I do believe in my own concept of ‘God’, just not as religions define the idea.

I’m very interested in Quantum Physics and how the new ideas it is presenting go against previously established scientific notions in a way that may allow science and spiritualists to agree on many issues after years of estrangement…..an interesting DVD about all this is called ‘What the Bleep Do We Know?’…..I’d reccommend it!

Rohit Sidhu

Lol I googled my name to check my internet trail after my ISP tried to screw me for downloading stuff and I found this great site!

I made a little mistake on my last paragraph, small typo. Capitalized missing words.
No stupid fuck, thatâ€™s the view of Christianity. We are not the same you and I. I really donâ€™t need or care for any â€œanswersâ€ because frankly there is no reason NOT to believe THAT the Universe has been here and probably will always be. We need no explanation of how the universe began.

Tony T

I would not consider myself an Atheist or a beleiver. I guess I am rideing the fence, My question has always been …. WHO MADE GOD?. And Than who made It? Of course I get, Well We can’t comprehend that can we. Like an ant can’t understand whats going on In the humans world?

Not a fool, but â€œtheâ€ fool. Websterâ€™s dictionary describes a fool as â€œa very stupid person, one lacking judgement, common sense, wisdom, a silly person, a simpleton, an idiot, an imbecile, someone that is kept to entertain as a jester, a joke, a victim of a joke, one who is duped, a clown, a trick.â€ And in Jeremiah 17.9… the prophet said the â€œThe heart is deceitful above all things and desperatley wicked, who can know it?â€

Only God knows our deceitful and desperately wicked hearts.

Who wants to be a fool?
God looks to see if any of us are wise
If someone is really wise, they will seek God
How do you seek God?
Is it a long journey?
Is there some secret mystery?
Is there some great deed we must do?
Is there some valiant & heroic struggle?
Since God is already at the door, and already knocking, perhaps we should open the door?
The Bible is Godâ€™s word, it is how God speaks to us,

Perhaps we should read it and study it and think about it
Since prayer begins with Godâ€™s invitation, shouldnâ€™t our prayers begin by listening to God?
They are all alike
There is no one that does good
All have gone astray
Sin is universal
Sin is not just inevitable, it is a great pervasive evil,
And it eats up all in its reach (you are your brothers keeper)
In the face of universal sin, the only thing to do is repent
And trust in the mercy of God
The good news is that God has mercy on penitent sinners
The good news is that there is a Savior
Jesus is our refuge, not because we deserve refuge
Jesus is our refuge because God has mercy upon us
God give his Word
God creates faith
God knocks at our door
God forgives â€“ wisdom is opening our lives to the mercy of God
And righteousness â€“ that too comes from God through Christ.
You see the Lord will restore the fortunes of his people,
His people are the people who live by grace through faith.

Atheists are all afraid from the truth.
First you claim there is no God and heaven, If you and the Atheists believe there is no “God” than why you hate him so much? If you and the Atheists don’t believe in heaven than why you and the Atheists think heaven is a boring place to go to. LOL. You all are hypocrite.
You know there is a God, but you want to live for the devil, Remember the devil know the bible as well as you and me.

In Psalm 14.1…..God said this about the atheist.

â€œThe fool has said in his heart, there is no Godâ€

Not a fool, but â€œtheâ€ fool. Websterâ€™s dictionary describes a fool as â€œa very stupid person, one lacking judgement, common sense, wisdom, a silly person, a simpleton, an idiot, an imbecile, someone that is kept to entertain as a jester, a joke, a victim of a joke, one who is duped, a clown, a trick.â€ And in Jeremiah 17.9… the prophet said the â€œThe heart is deceitful above all things and desperatley wicked, who can know it?â€

Atheism is defined by Webster’s New World Dictionary as, “1. the belief that there is no God, or denial that God or gods exist. 2. godlessness”. An atheist, therefore, is a person who believes that there is no God. But what does the Bible say?
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.
PSALMS XIV:I
Atheism is a belief system that ardently denies the existence of God. God calls the atheist a FOOL. Many atheists spend much time and effort attempting to “disprove” that God exists. According to Romans chapter 1 they know that He exists, but they want to control their own lives and not submit to the Lord. They are actually rather tragic figures just like any other unsaved individual. It is hard to live out their atheism–if they did, they’d actually be considered crazy like O’Hair was.
The atheist’s RELIGION (which is simply a system of beliefs based on a philosophy) of atheism is simply a way to try to block out and override the truth–the ol’ ostrich-head-in-the-sand technique:
If you try to tell ‘em the truth, they say “Shut up!”
stick their heads in the ground and shout–
“There’s nobody there,
there’s nobody there,
there’s nobody there, I tell you!
See, I can’t see ‘em!”
Well, atheist reader, Somebody is there and His truth has stood from the beginning of time and will continue for all eternity. God is not dependent on you in any way. Blasphemies, wars, famines, and political appointments come and go, but when the dust settles, there’s Jesus. And there is nothing you can do about it but breathe out hot air. You will humble yourself before the Lord Jesus or you will be ground to powder.
And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
–Jesus Christ
Matthew 21:44
Most atheists have what I call the Don Quixote Syndrome. Let me explain. Cervantes wrote a book about Don Quixote a long time ago. Don Quixote would attack windmills as if they were his enemies. Of course a windmill is nobody’s enemy. If what the atheist believes is REALLY his belief, then he would leave people like me alone. After all, if God did not exist, He and His followers would be no enemy to the atheist. We’d just be deluded people. Therefore IF the atheist REALLY believes there is no God and the fool attacks a Christian, then he has the Don Quixote Syndrome because the Christian is not his enemy. Nevertheless, God is real and THAT is why atheists have all these organizations and debates to “prove” that God does not exist. Atheist reader, if you would just be true to what you purport to believe, then you wouldn’t have the Don Quixote Syndrome.
My old pastor once ministered to an old atheist who had been a card-carrying atheist for decades–but as he laid on his death bed, he wanted a pastor. I don’t know if he got saved or not. When it’s time to die, many atheists are understandably uneasy and those that aren’t should be terrified.
There is hope for the atheist. He can be saved. In fact, there are plenty of atheists that have come to Jesus Christ. I refuse to argue with them, but will answer honest questions. Unfortunately, many atheists ignorantly say hard things against the Lord Jesus Christ and His people. Don’t let fancy titles and big words shake your faith in the One who holds your eternal destiny.
Think about this: What does the atheist have to offer you? Eternal life? Spiritual comfort? Love? Kindness? Comfort in the midnight hour when no one is around? No, none of these. He has nothing to offer you but blasphemy, hell fire and the wrath of God. The atheist will tell you fabulous fairy tales like
you were spontaneously generated from a rock,
a monkey is your daddy,
a fish is your cousin,
you have no hope,
you should just live for today,
when you’re dead, you’re dead.
If you follow their ignorant advice and die without Christ, you WILL forever regret it and you will remember that someone told you the truth and you scoffed.
Atheists try their hardest to argue a fact that is firmly established–God is real. You cannot look on His creation and its ways and honestly deny it. I won’t argue that 2+2=4 and I won’t argue that God exists. An atheist once wrote and said, “2+2 is not necessarily 4″. Well, write any other number on your math test and see if you get it right.
The bottom line is that atheism is a false belief system composed of fools–it’s not new–the Bible told us about atheism thousands of years ago. Is there a real atheist? No. The closest thing to it is someone who has told themselves a lie so many times that they begin to believe it’s true.
I think that atheists say there is no God so they wonâ€™t have to repent; I think it is a cop-out. This is my view that men seek an out from reality. Some take drugs, drink, there are many ways to â€œescapeâ€ reality. But reality says we need a Saviour. Oh how we need a Savior.

No atheist has any proof that there is no God. He says……. but in reality he has no proof.

tony

Does God exist? I find it interesting that so much attention is given to this debate. The latest surveys tell us that over 90% of people in the world today believe in the existence of God or some higher power. Yet, somehow the responsibility is placed on those who believe God does exist to somehow prove that He really does exist. To me, I think it should be the other way around.

However, the existence of God cannot be proven or disproved. The Bible even says that we must accept by faith the fact that God exists, â€œAnd without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Himâ€ (Hebrews 11:6). If God so desired, He could simply appear and prove to the whole world that He exists. But if He did that, there would be no need for faith. “Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed’â€ (John 20:29).

That does not mean, however, that there is not evidence of Godâ€™s existence. The Bible declares, â€œThe heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the worldâ€ (Psalm 19:1-4). Looking at the stars, understanding the vastness of the universe, observing the wonders of nature, seeing the beauty of a sunset â€“ all of these things point to a Creator God. If these were not enough, there is also evidence of God in our own hearts. Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us, â€œâ€¦He has also set eternity in the hearts of menâ€¦â€ There is something deep down in our beings that recognizes that there is something beyond this life and someone beyond this world. We can deny this knowledge intellectually, but Godâ€™s presence in us and through us is still there. Despite all of this, the Bible warns us that some will still deny Godâ€™s existence, â€œThe fool says in his heart, â€˜There is no God.â€™â€ (Psalm 14:1). Since over 98% of people throughout history, in all cultures, in all civilizations, on all continents believe in the existence of some kind of God â€“ there must be something (or someone) causing this belief.

In addition to the Biblical arguments for Godâ€™s existence, there are logical arguments. First, there is the ontological argument. The most popular form of the ontological argument basically uses the concept of God to prove Godâ€™s existence. It begins with the definition of God as â€œthat than which no greater can be conceived.â€ It is then argued that to exist is greater than to not exist, and therefore the greatest conceivable being must exist. If God did not exist then God would not be the greatest conceivable being – but that would contradict God’s very definition. A second is the teleological argument. The teleological argument is that since the universe displays such an amazing design, there must have been a Divine designer. For example, if earth were even a few hundred miles closer or further away from the sun, it would not be capable of supporting much of the life it currently does. If the elements in our atmosphere were even a few percentage points different, every living thing on earth would die. The odds of a single protein molecule forming by chance is 1 in 10243 (that is a 10 followed by 243 0â€™s). A single cell is comprised of millions of protein molecules.

A third logical argument for Godâ€™s existence is called the cosmological argument. Every effect must have a cause. This universe and everything in it is an effect. There must be something that caused everything to come into existence. Ultimately, there must be something â€œun-causedâ€ in order to cause everything else to come into existence. That â€œun-causedâ€ something is God. A fourth argument is known as the moral argument. Every culture throughout history has had some form of law. Everyone has a sense of right and wrong. Murder, lying, stealing, and immorality are almost universally rejected. Where did this sense of right and wrong come from if not from a holy God?

Despite all of this, the Bible tells us that people will reject the clear and undeniable knowledge of God and instead believe a lie. Romans 1:25 declares, â€œThey exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator – who is forever praised. Amen.â€ The Bible also proclaims that people are without excuse for not believing in God, â€œFor since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuseâ€ (Romans 1:20).

People claim to not believe in God because it is â€œnot scientificâ€ or â€œbecause there is no proof.â€ The true reason is that once people admit that there is a God, they also must realize that they are responsible to God and in need of forgiveness from God (Romans 3:23; 6:23). If God exists, then we are accountable for our actions to Him. If God does not exist, then we can do whatever we want without having to worry about God judging us. I believe that is why evolution is so strongly clung to by many in our society – to give people an alternative to believing in a Creator God. God exists and ultimately everyone knows that He exists. The very fact that some attempt so aggressively to disprove His existence is in fact an argument for His existence.

Allow me one last argument for Godâ€™s existence. How do I know God exists? I know God exists because I speak to Him every day. I do not audibly hear Him speaking back to me, but I sense His presence, I feel His leading, I know His love, I desire His grace. Things have occurred in my life that have no other possible explanation other than God. God has so miraculously saved me and changed my life that I cannot help but to acknowledge and praise His existence. None of these arguments in and of themselves can persuade anyone who refuses to acknowledge what is so plainly clear. In the end, Godâ€™s existence must be accepted by faith (Hebrews 11:6). Faith in God is not a blind leap into the dark, it is safe step into a well-lit room where 90% of people are already standing.

We know that God is real because He has revealed Himself to us in three ways: in creation, in His Word, and in His Son, Jesus Christ.

The most basic proof of Godâ€™s existence is simply what He has made. â€œFor the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that [unbelievers] are without excuseâ€ (Romans 1:20). â€œThe heavens declare the glory of God / And the firmament sheweth His handiworkâ€ (Psalm 19:1).

If I found a wristwatch in the middle of a field, I would not assume that it just â€œappearedâ€ out of nowhere or that it had always existed. Based on the watchâ€™s design, I would assume it had a designer. But I see far greater design and precision in the world around us. Our measurement of time is not based on wristwatches, but on Godâ€™s handiworkâ€”the regular rotation of the earth (and the radioactive properties of the cesium-133 atom). The universe displays great design, and this argues for a Great Designer.

If I found an encoded message, I would seek out a cryptographer to help break the code. My assumption would be that there is an intelligent sender of the message, someone who created the code. How complex is the DNA â€œcodeâ€ that we carry in every cell of our bodies? Does not the complexity and purpose of DNA argue for an Intelligent Writer of the code?

Not only has God made an intricate and finely tuned physical world, He has also instilled a sense of eternity in the heart of every person (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Mankind has an innate perception that there is more to life than meets the eye, that there is an existence higher than this earthly routine. Our sense of eternity manifests itself in at least two ways: law-making and worship.

Every civilization throughout history has valued certain moral laws, which are surprisingly similar from culture to culture. For example, the ideal of love is universally esteemed, while the act of lying is universally condemned. This common moralityâ€”this global understanding of right and wrongâ€”points to a Supreme Moral Being who gave us such scruples.

In the same way, people all over the world, regardless of culture, have always cultivated a system of worship. The object of worship may vary, but the sense of a â€œhigher powerâ€ is an undeniable part of being human. Our propensity to worship accords with the fact that God created us â€œin His own imageâ€ (Genesis 1:27).

God has also revealed Himself to us through His Word, the Bible. Throughout scripture, the existence of God is treated as a self-evident fact (Genesis 1:1; Exodus 3:14). When Benjamin Franklin wrote his Autobiography, he did not waste time trying to prove his own existence. Likewise, God does not spend much time proving His existence in His book. The life-changing nature of the Bible, its integrity, and the miracles which accompanied its writing should be enough to warrant a closer look.

The third way in which God revealed Himself is through His Son, Jesus Christ (John 14:6-11). â€œIn the beginning was the Word: the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among usâ€ (John 1:1, 14). In Jesus Christ â€œdwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodilyâ€ (Colossians 2:9).

In Jesusâ€™ amazing life, He kept the entire Old Testament law perfectly and fulfilled the prophecies concerning the Messiah (Matthew 5:17). He performed countless acts of compassion and public miracles to authenticate His message and bear witness to His deity (John 21:24-25). Then, three days after His crucifixion, He rose from the dead, a fact affirmed by hundreds of eyewitnesses (1 Corinthians 15:6). The historical record abounds with â€œproofâ€ of who Jesus is. As the Apostle Paul said, â€œThis thing was not done in a cornerâ€ (Acts 26:26).

We realize that there will always be skeptics who have their own ideas concerning God and will read the evidence accordingly. And there will be some whom no amount of proof will convince (Psalm 14:1). It all comes down to faith (Hebrews 11:6).

tony

Psalm 14:1-3 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none that does good. The LORD looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any that act wisely, that seek after God. They have all gone astray, they are all alike corrupt; there is none that does good, no, not one

Not a fool, but â€œtheâ€ fool. Websterâ€™s dictionary describes a fool as â€œa very stupid person, one lacking judgement, common sense, wisdom, a silly person, a simpleton, an idiot, an imbecile, someone that is kept to entertain as a jester, a joke, a victim of a joke, one who is duped, a clown, a trick.â€ And in Jeremiah 17.9… the prophet said the â€œThe heart is deceitful above all things and desperatley wicked, who can know it?â€

Only God knows our deceitful and desperately wicked hearts.

Who wants to be a fool?
God looks to see if any of us are wise
If someone is really wise, they will seek God
How do you seek God?
Is it a long journey?
Is there some secret mystery?
Is there some great deed we must do?
Is there some valiant & heroic struggle?
Since God is already at the door, and already knocking, perhaps we should open the door?
The Bible is Godâ€™s word, it is how God speaks to us,

Perhaps we should read it and study it and think about it
Since prayer begins with Godâ€™s invitation, shouldnâ€™t our prayers begin by listening to God?
They are all alike
There is no one that does good
All have gone astray
Sin is universal
Sin is not just inevitable, it is a great pervasive evil,
And it eats up all in its reach (you are your brothers keeper)
In the face of universal sin, the only thing to do is repent
And trust in the mercy of God
The good news is that God has mercy on penitent sinners
The good news is that there is a Savior
Jesus is our refuge, not because we deserve refuge
Jesus is our refuge because God has mercy upon us
God give his Word
God creates faith
God knocks at our door
God forgives â€“ wisdom is opening our lives to the mercy of God
And righteousness â€“ that too comes from God through Christ.
You see the Lord will restore the fortunes of his people,
His people are the people who live by grace through faith.

Atheists are all afraid from the truth.
First you claim there is no God and heaven, If you and the Atheists believe there is no “God” than why you hate him so much? If you and the Atheists don’t believe in heaven than why you and the Atheists think heaven is a boring place to go to. LOL. You all are hypocrite.
You know there is a God, but you want to live for the devil, Remember the devil know the bible as well as you and me.

In Psalm 14.1…..God said this about the atheist.

â€œThe fool has said in his heart, there is no Godâ€

Not a fool, but â€œtheâ€ fool. Websterâ€™s dictionary describes a fool as â€œa very stupid person, one lacking judgement, common sense, wisdom, a silly person, a simpleton, an idiot, an imbecile, someone that is kept to entertain as a jester, a joke, a victim of a joke, one who is duped, a clown, a trick.â€ And in Jeremiah 17.9… the prophet said the â€œThe heart is deceitful above all things and desperatley wicked, who can know it?â€

Atheism is defined by Webster’s New World Dictionary as, “1. the belief that there is no God, or denial that God or gods exist. 2. godlessness”. An atheist, therefore, is a person who believes that there is no God. But what does the Bible say?
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.
PSALMS XIV:I
Atheism is a belief system that ardently denies the existence of God. God calls the atheist a FOOL. Many atheists spend much time and effort attempting to “disprove” that

God exists. According to Romans chapter 1 they know that He exists, but they want to control their own lives and not submit to the Lord. They are actually rather tragic figures just like any other unsaved individual. It is hard to live out their atheism–if they did, they’d actually be considered crazy like O’Hair was.
The atheist’s RELIGION (which is simply a system of beliefs based on a philosophy) of atheism is simply a way to try to block out and override the truth–the ol’ ostrich-head-in-the-sand technique:
If you try to tell ‘em the truth, they say “Shut up!”
stick their heads in the ground and shout–
“There’s nobody there,
there’s nobody there,
there’s nobody there, I tell you!
See, I can’t see ‘em!”
Well, atheist reader, Somebody is there and His truth has stood from the beginning of time and will continue for all eternity. God is not dependent on you in any way. Blasphemies, wars, famines, and political appointments come and go, but when the dust settles, there’s Jesus. And there is nothing you can do about it but breathe out

hot air. You will humble yourself before the Lord Jesus or you will be ground to powder.
And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
–Jesus Christ
Matthew 21:44
Most atheists have what I call the Don Quixote Syndrome. Let me explain. Cervantes wrote a book about Don Quixote a long time ago. Don Quixote would attack windmills as if they were his enemies. Of course a windmill is nobody’s enemy. If what the atheist believes is REALLY his belief, then he would leave people like me alone. After all, if God did not exist, He and His followers would be no enemy to the atheist. We’d just be deluded people. Therefore IF the atheist REALLY believes there is no God and the fool attacks a Christian, then he has the Don Quixote Syndrome because the Christian is not his enemy. Nevertheless, God is real and THAT is why atheists have all these organizations and debates to “prove” that God does not exist. Atheist reader, if you would just be true to what you purport to believe, then you wouldn’t have the Don Quixote Syndrome.
My old pastor once ministered to an old atheist who had been a card-carrying atheist for decades–but as he laid on his death bed, he wanted a pastor. I don’t know if he got saved or not. When it’s time to die, many atheists are understandably uneasy and those that aren’t should be terrified.
There is hope for the atheist. He can be saved. In fact, there are plenty of atheists that have come to Jesus Christ. I refuse to argue with them, but will answer honest questions. Unfortunately, many atheists ignorantly say hard things against the Lord Jesus Christ and His people. Don’t let fancy titles and big words shake your faith in the One who holds your eternal destiny.
Think about this: What does the atheist have to offer you? Eternal life? Spiritual comfort? Love? Kindness? Comfort in the midnight hour when no one is around? No, none of these. He has nothing to offer you but blasphemy, hell fire and the wrath of God. The atheist will tell you fabulous fairy tales like
you were spontaneously generated from a rock,
a monkey is your daddy, a fish is your cousin,

you have no hope,
you should just live for today,
when you’re dead, you’re dead.
If you follow their ignorant advice and die without Christ, you WILL forever regret it and you will remember that someone told you the truth and you scoffed.
Atheists try their hardest to argue a fact that is firmly established–God is real. You cannot look on His creation and its ways and honestly deny it. I won’t argue that 2+2=4 and I won’t argue that God exists. An atheist once wrote and said, “2+2 is not necessarily 4″. Well, write any other number on your math test and see if you get it right.
The bottom line is that atheism is a false belief system composed of fools–it’s not new–the Bible told us about atheism thousands of years ago. Is there a real atheist? No. The closest thing to it is someone who has told themselves a lie so many times that they begin to believe it’s true.
I think that atheists say there is no God so they wonâ€™t have to repent; I think it is a cop-out. This is my view that men seek an out from reality. Some take drugs, drink, there are many ways to â€œescapeâ€ reality. But reality says we need a Saviour. Oh how we need a Savior.

thank god for this post
thank god for all the atheists in my life they make my faith stronger
thank god i had addictions to alcohol, cigarettes, caffiene, 50 pounds overweight– i have overcome all of these. i have a fun website with videos http://www.conqueraddictions.com
thank god for my 2 divorces my married life is now so much better
thank god for being in a mental hospital 6 times —-i had a blast practicing psychiatry for 30 years
thank god that i don’t drink or smoke
thank god that i lost money in the stock market and 2 very nice homes in my divorces—- i now have even more real estate
thank god i gave away 5 cars to people — i now own 4 very nice cars
thank god i don’t have to worry about whether or not somebody i an atheist—i have a close partnership with my higher power whom i choose to call god who supplies me with what i need.
Folks this gratitude stuff really works if you believe in god or even if you don’t believe in god just like gravity works